HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-14 Burnett justice center; city infrastructureFrom:Melani Burnett
To:Agenda
Subject:justice center; city infrastructure
Date:Tuesday, November 18, 2014 10:44:03 AM
Dear city commission,I did not vote for the proposed new justice center because it was too expensive andtoo extravagant. Cannot you tone down the "class" of this thing? If the city needsmore space--such as for an evidence room--why can they not rent some spacesomewhere. Why is a big expensive building supposed to be the only solution?
Then I read in the Chronicle this morning, as I have in the past, that our city streetsreally need attention, both for maintenance, repair, and needed new ones, which Ican accept is necessary. That project also will cost millions.
I read earlier this fall or last summer that the water pipes underneath many of ourstreets are very, very old and in need of replacement. This also is a big, expensiveproject. Why is it continuing to be put off and not taken care of, at least to somedegree? I think both of these projects (the streets and the water pipes) are moreimportant than a new justice center. There is a limit to what the taxpayers canafford.
And while we're at it, I think the widening of Rouse St. is also unnecessary. A fewyears ago that street was rebuilt at great expense and inconvenience, both todrivers and to the businesses on that street. Why tear all that out so soon? I driveon that street often and the traffic is totally fine and has been for many years. Icannot justify taking people's front yards and businesses' parking just to build bikelanes and a turn lane. For much of that street there is nothing to turn into. Andright now it is such a pretty street much of the way; I hate to see all those treestorn down.
I plead with you to be realistic; and I also ask that you be wise with our money. Ihave lived here for more than 38 years. We have been homeowners for many yearsand our taxes keep rising. I resent that in your advertising for new things likeschools, the justice center, etc. that you say "it will only be (such and such) for a$150,000 property." Who in Bozeman has a house that cheap? virtually no one. And the taxes keep going up every year.
Thank you for your kind attention,Melani Burnett4143 Rain Roper DrBozeman